Author: Dave Caldwell

Sep 16, 2013

Reverse mortgages

Television today seems filled with ads for reverse mortgages, usually endorsed by an actor or former actor. What are these mortgages? Are they a new way to buy a home? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses reverse mortgages. 

Sep 13, 2013

YOU DECIDE: How is the job market like weightlifting?

Job growth is at opposite ends of the market, the high- and low-pay ends, with little growth in the middle. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explores this phenomenon and what it means for the economy. 

Sep 13, 2013

Return of the consumer

N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses the driving force in today's economy and what has to change for the economy to improve. 

Sep 12, 2013

Manufacturing and unemployment

N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses the connection between declining manufacturing jobs, unemployment rates and the housing construction. 

Sep 11, 2013

Yellen vs. Summers

N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses the top candidates to succeed Ben Bernanke as head of the Federal Reserve. 

Sep 10, 2013

Budget shares

N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses shifts in state spending in the new state budget. 

Sep 9, 2013

The real debt

An economist in California recently made a media splash by suggesting that the real national debt is $70 trillion, not $17 trillion. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains what he meant. 

Sep 6, 2013

Saving for a rainy day

One of the items in the newly passed and signed state budget that received a big boost in spending was reserves, or what some call the rainy day fund. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains what is this fund and why it got a big boost. 

Sep 5, 2013

The return of fun

One of the economic sectors that is expanding the most is leisure and hospitality, which might be called “fun.” N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains what's going on. 

Sep 4, 2013

Exporting energy

Domestic oil and natural gas production are up. Should we keep this additional energy or export some of it.? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses the economics behind this question.